Devotees have been banned from taking mobile phones inside the Mahakal temple. The order comes after a confidential report said that the mobiles carried inside temple posed security threat.

Devotees have been banned from taking mobile phones inside the Mahakaleshwar temple from October 18. The order issued by the district administration on Monday night comes in the wake of a confidential Intelligence Bureau report which said the mobiles being carried by the devotees posed a security threat.

At present the devotees are not allowed to carry cameras, purse, bags etc inside the temple. From October 18, the devotees would be asked to deposit their mobiles and cameras at the temple’s locker room during checking at the main entrance.

The mobile phones, cameras etc of devotees would be confiscated if it is found inside the temple premises. Also a fine would be imposed on the devotee, though at present the temple committee is yet to decide on the quantum of the fine.

To keep the mobiles safe, 240 mobile lockers are being installed, where the devotees can keep them after furnishing an identification card. The mobiles can be kept free of charge for five hours following which the charge would be Rs 5 per hour.

However, those who get permission to take part in the ‘Bhasmarati’ on their mobile phones would be allowed to carry it inside after temple. No decision has been taken on whether VIPs would be allowed to carry their mobile phones with them or not.